Tag Archives: buying a home

How to Search for a Home During COVID

access_timeOctober 19, 2020personSusan Feil

Are you looking to move but concerned about safely searching for a home during the COVID-19 pandemic? These times are definitely different than anything we could have imagined. However, with these careful steps, we are able to aid you in searching for a new place to live safely in the Albuquerque area!

How Has Looking for Home Changed Due to COVID-19?

Like many other things that COVID-19 has impacted and altered, searching for a home is no different. Looking for a home during the pandemic will require tenacity and the willingness to be adaptable in everything but your budget.

Home tours have definitely changed the most, and the market has now skewed more in favor of sellers. This transition can lead to bidding wars, as the number of available homes remains low in comparison to the number of buyers looking to take advantage of historically low interest rates. More safety precautions, such as masks and social distancing, have also been put into effect to keep the home buying process as safe as possible.

House tours have changed to improve safety

A woman views a house virtually while searching for a home during COVID-19.

One of the best parts about looking for a home is getting to tour all of the listings that are out there. Unfortunately, that is one thing that COVID-19 has impacted. There have been changes in how buyers are allowed to view homes they are interested in. Potential home buyers are now able to tour and view homes virtually to keep themselves safe.

While it’s still possible to view a property in person, it may have to be in a smaller group you had originally planned when you started searching for a new home. If you would prefer to tour a home via Zoom, many agencies are offering that as an alternative as well.

Be prepared for a bidding war

There are a lot of buyers in search of additional space to accommodate those spending more time at home. But the limited number of homes available creates a higher demand for homes than are obtainable on the market.

While you may feel like you are staying on top of new homes coming onto the market, sometimes a more personable approach can make the difference in securing your new home. Writing a personal letter to the seller may help by letting them know what living in this home would mean to you as the buyer.

Wear masks and keep your distance!

Be sure to contact your Realtor when you’re interested in touring a new home. In order to keep both buyers and sellers safe, masks will be required to comply with state mandates, and you may be asked to wear gloves.

We inform you not to alarm you, but to make you aware of the changes that have occurred as a result of the pandemic. Some things, such as the addition of requiring masks and social distancing when touring homes, have been made to improve safety measures not only for the seller, but the buyer as well.

Have Additional Questions About Searching for a Home During COVID?

Searching for a home during the COVID-19 pandemic can be a confusing and scary time for all. However, we are here to help! Contact us today for all of your questions regarding buying and selling in the Albuquerque area during this unprecedented time. We are ready to help you find your dream home safely!

A Private Home with Scenic Views: Discover this Santa Fe Getaway

access_timeOctober 7, 2019personSusan Feil

An iconic stucco exterior, surrounding gates for added privacy, stunning views of desert flora and fauna and dramatic mountain peaks—this apartment in Santa Fe offers a living experience like no other.

From the patio to the master bedroom and everywhere in between, 663 Bishops Lodge Road certainly has a lot to love, right down to the details! Get a sneak peek at what makes Apartment 77 so one-of-a-kind, and let us know when you’re ready to see it in person.

Warm Living Space

The living room at 663 Bishops Lodge Road Apartment 77.

Step through the threshold and stroll down the short entryway, and you’ll find a roomy and welcoming living space. Thanks to the wide-open concept of the floor plan, the living room flows directly into the dining room and kitchen, as well as the back patio.

The warm fireplace is perfect for cozying up during cool nights, and the floor-to-ceiling windows and patio door allow natural lighting to flood the space every morning. Whether you’re entertaining guests or having a relaxing night in, this space is perfect for whatever you need.

A Perfectly Cozy Kitchen

The kitchen at 663 Bishops Lodge Road Apartment 77.

The warm yellows and greens of the living room flow directly into the kitchen. The space here is the perfect size—not too big and not too small—and the openness of the room promotes a sociable atmosphere. Baking cookies, meal prepping for the week, arranging a cheese board for game night—you can do it all without missing a beat.

Plus, there’s plenty of opportunity to shake up the design and really make the kitchen your own!

A Gorgeous Balcony Getaway

The balcony at 663 Bishops Lodge Road Apartment 77.

In the upstairs, you’ll find two bedrooms including the master, which is complete with a walk-in closet and a private bathroom, as well as enough space to fit a luxurious four poster bed.

But the real crowning joy of the master bedroom? The amazing private balcony. You can wake up each morning and enjoy a hot cup of coffee as you gaze out upon the surrounding city and greenery—we really can’t think of a much better way to start your day!

Generous Yard Space

The patio at 663 Bishops Lodge Road Apartment 77.

You might think that since 663 Bishops Lodge Road is an apartment, you’ll have to sacrifice your yard space, but that couldn’t be further from the truth! In fact, the home offers a rather roomy patio area, perfect for grilling out or sitting around a cozy backyard bonfire. A fence offers extra privacy from your next-door neighbors, and there’s plenty of room to throw up a few patio sets!

Ready to See More?

There’s so much more that 663 Bishops Lodge Road has to offer—don’t you want the chance to see it all for yourself? Just give the Feil Team a call today, and we’ll get you set up with your own personal showing ASAP.

Still want to buy but not quite sure what you’re looking for? We can help with that, too. Check out our specialized search tool to start narrowing down your options, and let us know when you’re ready to see some homes in person.

Why Getting Pre-Approved for a Mortgage is Crucial

access_timeNovember 5, 2017personSusan Feil

So, you’ve decided to buy a home in the Albuquerque area. Congratulations! Investing in real estate is always a wise financial decision, and you’ve just chosen a wonderful area to invest in. Plus, buying your own home will bring you indescribably joy and security.

While the overall experience of buying a home is positive, searching for your dream home can be intimidating. You have to set a budget, determine what kind of features you need to have, schedule home tours, hire a realtor… and obtain a mortgage.

The majority of homebuyers use mortgages to purchase their home. There are different kinds of mortgages depending on your income and financial situation, but here’s the rundown.

A mortgage, quite simply, is a loan for the amount of money your home is worth. The amount of your loan depends on your credit report, annual income, and a whole host of other factors.

If you’re searching for a home in an area as competitive as Albuquerque, getting pre-approved for your mortgage is essential to buying the home of your dreams. Here’s why.

It Gives You a Competitive Edge

internet research If you’re pre-approved for a mortgage when you make an initial offer on a home, it lets the seller know that you’re serious. In competitive markets like Albuquerque, sellers often prefer pre-approved buyers.

Essentially, you’re given priority over other buyers. This means you’re more likely to buy the best home for you in a timely fashion.

It Helps Set Your Budget

Going through the pre-approval process with a lender is the ideal way to set your budget, because you’ll know firsthand how big of a loan you can get. To become pre-approved, you’ll sit down with a lending officer who will review your credit score, amount of debt, income level, and all other factors of your financial life.

Basically, the lender is reviewing your finances to determine if you can afford to buy the home. This includes monthly mortgage payments, which will vary depending on interest rates, as well as the big down payment.

Be Smart With Your Money

mortgage interest rate However, there are other things you should look atwhen deciding your budget. Take a hard look at your annual income, as well as your expenses. Try to determine how much money you’re comfortable spending per month on a mortgage payment. Our mortgage calculator can help with that.

You should also think about that down payment. Depending on what kind of mortgage you qualify for, which determine the down payment, you could be paying around 20% of your home’s value upfront.

When you sit down with a lender to become pre-approved, they can help you figure out what kind of mortgage is best for you.

Any Other Questions about Buying a Home?

Please reach out to us! We would love to sit down and talk with you about your mortgage pre-approval options, and your goals in real estate. Feel free to use any of our complimentary home-search tools and real estate resources.

If you ever have any questions about the home buying process, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We would love to help.